Operations

Past activities

The activities of the Operations Working Group produced following results:

• Protecting the Poor: A Microinsurance Compendium

Published in 2006 by the ILO and Munich Re Foundation, this book has been extremely well received. The book is one of the outcomes from the Good and Bad Practices project, funded by DFID, GTZ, the ILO and SIDA, which included 24 case studies. These case studies cover a wide range of institutional models, product types and regions, with a focus on challenges and lessons learnt.

In 2007, for the Microinsurance conference in India, it had a second printing as a paperback version. From the first print run of 2700, roughly 800 copies have been distributed for free at various conferences and events, and the ILO has sold 500 copies. From the second print run of 850, 400 have been distributed for free. The Indian publisher responsible for the second printing will also sell the book in India.

• Microinsurance in Focus

Based on the case studies and the Protecting the Poor compendium, the Operations Working Group produced twelve two-page notes in English. They are also translated in French and Spanish by ADA and into Portuguese by Fenaseg.
Lessons and Recommendations for Donors

At the 2006 Microinsurance conference in Cape Town, it was agreed that an update of the Preliminary Donor Guidelines was necessary to reflect the evolution of the microinsurance sector and the growing body of knowledge on this area through Microinsurance Network activities and publications. At the request of CGAP, USAID agreed to take the lead in coordinating this activity and the guidelines were published in 2008.

• Microinsurance Innovation Facility

This initiative, headed by ILO, has four sets of activities: Provide innovation grants, finance technical assistance and strengthen the capacity of TA providers, conduct research particularly focused on the impact of microinsurance, and disseminate tools and lessons learned.

With the set up of the Microinsurance Innovation Facility and the start of activities of more specialised Working Groups, e.g. Technology and Impact, the Operations Working Group decided to retire in March 2008.